16^th Annual Virginia Chili, Blues & Brews Festival

Friday & Saturday, September 11^th – 12^th, 2026
Main Street & Lumos Plaza
Beautiful Downtown Waynesboro, VA

Presented by the Wayne Theatre and now in its 16^th year, the Virginia Chili, Blues & Brews Festival brings together chili lovers, craft beer fans, and blues enthusiasts for one spectacular weekend in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

This beloved event draws 3,000+ attendees each year to Lumos Plaza for hot chili, cool brews, and sizzling blues — all in support of arts education and community programming through the Wayne Theatre.

Friday kickoff events are free and open to the public.  Saturday's main event tickets start at $20.00 for adults - children 12 and under are free!

🔥 Friday Night Kickoff – FREE!
🔥 Saturday Festival 

🎸 2026 Performer Lineup

September 11^th – Friday Night Kickoff  - Main Street, Downtown Waynesboro
Join us Friday evening, September 11^th, for two free live shows at local Main Street venues — no ticket or cover charge required! Grab a drink, enjoy the vibe, and ease into a weekend of music, flavor, and fun.  Artist will be announced soon!

September 12^th – Festival Day! - Lumos Plaza, Downtown Waynesboro
 

• 12:30 – 2:00 PM: Chickenhead Blues Band

• 2:30 – 4:00 PM: Dara James

• 4:30 – 6:00 PM: Selwyn Birchwood

• 6:30 – 8:00 PM: Albert Cummings

🍻 Craft Beers & Community Fun

Enjoy a wide selection of craft beers from local and regional breweries — plus food trucks, artisan vendors, and interactive fun for all ages.

🎟️ Support the Arts & Community

All proceeds benefit the Wayne Theatre and its Studio Wayne Arts Education programs. Your participation helps sustain live arts, youth programming, and community engagement for all ages in Waynesboro and the surrounding region.

Join us for hot chili, hot tunes, and cold brews — all in the heart of the Blue Ridge!

Animal Policy:
For the safety and enjoyment of all guests, pets are not permitted at the Virginia Chili, Blues & Brews Festival. Only trained service animals as defined by the ADA are allowed on festival grounds. Emotional support animals, comfort animals, and therapy dogs do not qualify as service animals under the ADA and will not be permitted.